UFC president Dana White is facing criticism after describing the shooting at Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner as “f***ing awesome” while recounting the chaotic security response.
White was seated near the head table at the Washington Hilton when a gunman breached a security checkpoint, triggering the emergency evacuation of President Donald Trump and top officials.
More than 2,000 guests, including journalists, Cabinet members, and political figures, were inside the ballroom when shots rang out.
According to the report, Secret Service agents ordered attendees to get down immediately.
White said he refused.
“It started to get noisy. Tables getting flipped over, guys running in with guns,” White told USA Today.
“They were telling me to get down, I didn’t get down. It was f***ing awesome. I literally took every minute of it in. And it was pretty crazy, unique experience.”
He added that he was seated close to where Trump had been moments before agents moved in.
White said security personnel then approached his table while searching for the shooter.
The remarks quickly triggered backlash online.
Social media users called the comments bizarre, reckless, and insensitive, given that gunfire had erupted in a crowded room filled with civilians and senior government officials.
One response described White’s reaction as “pretty weird.”
Another called him a clown.
Others questioned why someone would treat a near-mass casualty event as entertainment.
Footage later showed White remaining seated while many guests ducked under tables or followed the agent’s instructions.
The dinner had barely begun when the Secret Service launched its emergency response.
Daily Mail reporters in attendance said three to four shots were heard.
Within seconds, Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance ducked for cover on stage, as the Daily Mail reported.
Agents then began clearing the room and securing top officials.
The Secret Service Counter Assault Team reportedly rushed the stage in tactical gear, carrying rifles.
Trump later praised law enforcement, saying the response was extremely fast and professional.
He said there was little time to think because agents moved everyone out within seconds.
Authorities later identified the suspect as Cole Allen, a California man accused of breaching security and exchanging gunfire with officers.
Federal prosecutors charged him with firearm offenses and assault on a federal officer.
White attended the dinner as a guest of Trump and has been one of the president’s most visible allies.
The two have maintained a close relationship for years, with Trump frequently attending UFC events and White speaking on Trump’s behalf at rallies and conventions.
